Apparatus for launching a ball

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for launching a ball is disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a ball launching unit including a port for ejecting a ball and a support for supporting the ball launching unit. The ball launching unit is pivotably coupled to the support to permit angular adjustment of the ball launching unit about a horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launch angle of an ejected ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotation intersects the port.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/065,231 entitled “Apparatus for Launching a Ball”filed on 17 Oct. 2014, the entire contents of which are to be taken asincorporated herein by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for launching a ball, suchas for example, a soccer ball. Embodiments of the present invention maybe used as a sports or skill training aid, such as may be required, forexample, in soccer training, to eject a ball towards a user to enablethem to practice a particular skill.

BACKGROUND

In some ball sports, such as soccer, the ability to control a ball bothon the ground and in the air is an essential skill for every player ofthe game. In training, a soccer player may practice skills such as, forexample, dribbling the ball, first touch and control, passing, headingand trapping. A goalkeeper may also practice saving a ball strucktowards the goals.

To improve a particular skill, a player repeats the skill many times.Practice of many of the above mentioned skills by a player may require atraining partner or coach to serve or deliver the ball to the player inan accurate and repeatable manner. This type of delivery can bedifficult to effectively achieve in practice, and furthermore a trainingpartner may not always be available or willing to be involved for anentire training session.

In order to overcome these problems, machines for automaticallylaunching or projecting a ball, such as a soccer ball, towards a playerhave been developed.

One example of a ball throwing machine is described in U.S. PatentPublication No. 2013/0104869 to Lewis et al. Lewis et al discloses aball delivery device that ejects balls through an opening formed in ahousing of the device. The disclosed ball delivery device includes apair of wheels for accelerating a soccer ball. The wheels are coupled toa bracket which is mounted to a frame. An adjustable length actuator isprovided to vary an angle of the bracket and wheels relative to theframe to thereby change the trajectory of the ball when it is ejected byadjusting the length of the actuator to thereby vary a launch angle ofthe ball. This device permits only a limited degree of adjustment of thelaunch angle and is constrained, at least to some extent, by theoperation of the actuator and the positional relationship between theball delivery device and the opening of the housing through which theball is ejected.

An alternative mechanism for controlling the launch angle in a soccerball delivery device is described in U.S. Patent Publication No.2008/0032828 to Alger. Alger discloses a wheel assembly that is capableof adjusting the launch angle from approximately −5 degrees (ball isdirected slightly downward) to approximately +30 degrees (ball isdirected upward). The disclosed wheel assembly is rotatably mounted ontop of a post and is rotatably adjustable relative to the post about anelevation axis using an elevation assembly which varies the angularrelationship between the wheel assembly and the main post. The launchangle control mechanism disclosed in Alger is complex and expensive tomanufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the Alger device also onlypermits a limited degree of adjustment of the launch angle, in this caselimited to a range of 35 degrees.

Another drawback of Alger is that because the wheel assembly isrotatably mounted on top of a post, as the wheel assembly rotates backand forth to vary the launch angle, the weight of the wheel assemblyexerts a moment force on the post mounting structure. This may inducestress in the post mounting structure which may, over time, lead tomechanical failure of the launcher. Also, as the elevation axis islocated below the wheels, when a ball is launched from the device, akickback or recoil force from the launch will induce a moment about theelevation axis. This moment will tend to cause the wheel assembly towant to pivot about the elevation axis. The post mounting structure musttherefore react this force which will induce further stress in themounting structure.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved apparatus forlaunching a ball which overcomes some of the above mentioneddifficulties or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, apreferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedan apparatus for launching a ball, including:

-   -   a ball launching unit including a port for ejecting a ball; and    -   a support for supporting the ball launching unit,    -   wherein, the ball launching unit is pivotably coupled to the        support to permit angular adjustment of the ball launching unit        about a horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launch angle of an        ejected ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotation        intersects the port.

In an embodiment, the ball launching unit includes an upper wheel and alower wheel that cooperate to eject the ball. The upper wheel and thelower wheel may be driven by motors, for example DC motors. The wheelsapply a force to the ball resulting in an acceleration of the ball as itis ejected from the port.

It is preferred that the upper and lower wheels at least partiallyprotrude into the port.

In an embodiment, the horizontal axis of rotation extends between theupper wheel and the lower wheel. The horizontal axis of rotation mayextend centrally through the port.

In some embodiments, the wheels may have a tread pattern to assist inejecting a wet or damp ball.

A support according to an embodiment of the present invention mayinclude a pair of support members wherein the ball launching unit issupported between the support members. Each support member may compriseone or more legs for contacting the ground.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include a hopper forstoring one or more balls for feeding to the ball launching unit andwherein during rotation of the ball launching unit about the horizontalaxis of rotation, the orientation of the hopper relative to the balllaunching unit remains fixed.

In embodiments, the hopper is fixed to the ball launching unit. In otherwords, the ball launching unit may have an integrated hopper.

In order to controllably release balls from the hopper into the port,the ball launching unit may include a solenoid controllable to allow aball to be fed from the hopper into the port. It is preferred that thesolenoid includes a shaft that extends into the hopper.

In embodiments, the hopper includes a sloped upper portion and a lowerguiding portion. Preferably the shaft of the solenoid extends into thehopper between the sloped upper portion and the lower guiding portion.The shaft of the solenoid is retractable which releases or drops a ballfrom the sloped upper portion to the lower guiding portion which guidesthe ball into the port.

It is preferred that at least part of the sloped upper portion isdisposed above the ball launching unit.

In an embodiment, the ball launching unit includes control electronicsfor enabling remote control of at least one function of the balllaunching unit.

Preferably, at least one function of the ball launching unit includesangular adjustment of the ball launching unit about the horizontal axis,actuation of the solenoid and wheel speed.

In embodiments, the apparatus further includes one or more batteries topower the ball launching unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is providedan apparatus for launching a ball, including:

-   -   a ball launching unit including:        -   a housing having a port for receiving a ball and ejecting            the received ball;    -   a pair of support members for supporting the ball launching unit        above the ground, the support members spaced apart about        opposing sides of the housing;    -   wherein, the housing is pivotably coupled to the support members        to permit angular adjustment of the ball launching unit about a        horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launch angle of an ejected        ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotation extends        through the port.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes an integrated hopperfor feeding one or more balls to the ball launching unit.

In an embodiment, the ball launching unit further includes a first wheellocated in an upper portion of the housing and a second wheel located ina lower portion of the housing and wherein rotation of the first andsecond wheels applies a force to the ball as it passes through the portto eject the ball from the housing.

It is preferred that the first wheel is coupled to a first shaft of afirst motor and the second wheel is coupled to a second shaft of asecond motor and wherein the first and second shafts are parallel to thehorizontal axis of rotation.

In an embodiment, the horizontal axis of rotation is disposed midwaybetween the first wheel and the second wheel.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide improved control andadjustability of the launch angle of a ball. A particular advantage ofthe present invention is that it may provide a compact and stableapparatus for launching a ball that may provide a user with improvedcontrol and adjustability of the launch angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference tothe accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an apparatus for launching a ballaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 viewedfrom the front;

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 viewedfrom the rear;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with thehousing of the ball launching unit shown in outline only to illustratethe positional relationship between the first and second wheelassemblies;

FIG. 7A to 7C are side views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the balllaunching unit pivoting relative to the support assembly about ahorizontal axis of rotation;

FIG. 8A to 8C are sectional side views of the apparatus of FIG. 1showing operation of the solenoid;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electroniccontrol system that may be used to control the apparatus;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a control processthat may be used to launch one or more balls from the apparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for launching aball according to an another embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, like reference characters designate likeor corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown an embodiment of anapparatus 10 for launching a ball. In the embodiment shown, theapparatus 10 is a soccer ball launcher used to launch or eject a soccerball towards a user to enable the user to practice a particular skillsuch as passing, heading and trapping the ball. The user may be, forexample, an athlete using the apparatus 10 to rehearse a ball handlingskill, or a child using the apparatus 10 for enjoyment. Beforecontinuing, it is to be noted that although the described embodimentrelates to an apparatus 10 for launching a soccer ball, it is envisagedthat embodiments may be used for a wide range of ball sports involvingspherically shaped balls, such as basketball, volleyball, tennis,baseball, softball, netball, cricket, and hockey.

As shown, the illustrated apparatus 10 includes a ball launching unit100 rotatably coupled to a support assembly 20 which supports the balllaunching unit 100 above the ground. The ball launching unit 100includes a housing or chassis 110 having a body 112 with an openingtherethrough forming a port 114 for ejecting a ball. The housing 110 maybe manufactured from any suitable material. One example of a suitablematerial is ultra-violet (UV) light stabilised linear low densitypolyethylene. The apparatus 10 also includes a hopper or chute 30 forstoring one or more balls for controllable release to the port 114. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the hopper 30 is integrated with the balllaunching unit 100.

The port 114 includes an inlet 116 for receiving a ball from the hopper30 and an outlet 118 through which the ball is ejected. In use, the port114 receives a ball from the hopper 30. The received ball is thenaccelerated from the ball launching unit 100 by first and second wheelassemblies 140, 150 that cooperate to accelerate the ball and eject itfrom the port 114.

The support assembly 20 depicted in FIG. 1 preferably provides a stableplatform for the ball launching unit 100 by distributing and absorbingloads from the unit 100. When in use, such loads may be due to kickbackor recoil forces which may be generated when a ball is launched. As bestshown in FIG. 2, the illustrated support assembly 20 includes a pair ofspaced apart support members 22 disposed about opposing sides of thehousing 110 of the ball launching unit 100. In the present case, eachsupport member 22 includes a pair of support legs 24 that are secured toa respective connecting member, shown here as a leg plate 25. In thepresent case each leg plate 25 receives an end of each of the supportlegs 24 in an arrangement which allows each support leg 24 to be removedfrom its respective leg plate 25, such as may be required for packing ortransport. The support legs 24 of each support member 22 are angledapart so as to form a suitably wide footprint to stabilise the apparatus10.

In the illustrated embodiment, each opposite pair of support legs 24 hasan associated ground contacting member 23 which extends laterally so asto bridge the opposite support legs 24 of the support members 22. Inembodiments, the bridging of the opposite support legs 24 is expected toimprove the rigidity of support assembly 20. Although in the presentcase separate ground contacting members 23 are shown, it will beappreciated that ground contacting members 23 could be replaced with asingle piece arrangement, such as a plate like structure that connectsall of the legs 24 together.

As shown, the ground contacting members 23 may include teeth or othersuitably shaped portions to assist in engaging, or gripping, the groundcontacting members 23 with the ground and thus assist with reducing orpreventing undesired slipping type movement of the ball launching unit100 relative to the ground in use. Alternatively, in some embodiments,pegs or other suitable securing means, may be used to secure the groundcontacting members 23 to the ground.

Turning now to the ball launching unit 100, in the present case the balllaunching unit 100 is rotatably coupled to the support assembly 20. Inthe present case, and as will be described in more detail below, arotatable coupling arrangement is provided using the leg plates 25 andaxle bolts 27. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangementsmay be used. In the present case, each leg plate 25 includes an aperturefor receiving an axle bolt 27 that is fastened to the body 112 of thehousing 110 to permit rotation of the body 112 (with respect to thesupport assembly 20) about a horizontal axis of rotation 5 (ref. FIG.5). Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal axis of rotation5 is determined by the longitudinal axis of each axle bolt 27 (see FIG.3).

As shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 intersects theport 114 and in the depicted embodiment extends centrally through theport 114. Advantages of this configuration are discussed later.

Rotation of the ball launching unit 100 about the support assembly 20provides means to vary a launch angle of an ejected ball. Each leg plate25 further includes a slot 28 for receiving an adjustment and lockingelement 29, shown here as a knob, that is also fastened into the body112 of the housing 110 by suitable means. When the locking element 29 isfastened tightly, the ball launching unit 100 is locked in position withrespect to the support assembly 20. As the locking element 29 isloosened, the ball launching unit 100 is able to rotate with respect tothe support assembly 20 about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 in orderto set the desired launch angle. As the unit 100 is rotated, a shaft ofthe adjustment element 29 traverses along the slot 28. The slot 28 thuscontrols the degree of rotation or angular adjustment that is permitted.When the unit 100 is in a desired angular position, the locking element29 is re-tightened to fix the position of the unit 100 with respect tothe support assembly 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, the apparatus 10 is shown in furtherdetail. With respect to FIGS. 4 and 5, exploded views of the apparatus10 are illustrated. In these views, the first or upper wheel assembly140 is shown exploded. However, for clarity the second or lower wheelassembly 150 is not shown in an exploded view.

FIG. 6 shows further detail of the positional relationship between thefirst and second wheel assemblies 140, 150 with only an outline of thehousing 110 of the ball launching unit 100 shown. As previouslydescribed, in the illustrated embodiment, the ball launching unit 100includes a housing or chassis 110 which itself includes the body 112, atop cover 120 and a lower cover 130. The top and bottom covers 120, 130preferably mate with the body 112 to seal the housing 100 from ingressof dust and moisture. The top cover 120 and lower cover 130 arerespectively located above the first wheel assembly 140 that is locatedin an upper portion of the body 112 of the housing 110 and below thesecond first wheel assembly 150 that is located in a lower portion ofthe body 112 of the housing 110. In preference, the top cover 120 and alower cover 130 are removable from the body 112 to allow access tointernal components of the apparatus 10 for replacement and/orservicing.

The first wheel assembly 140 includes a first wheel 141 coupled to afirst shaft 144 of a first motor 143. In an embodiment, the first motor143 is a brushless braked DC motor having a power of between 60 W and110 W, however other suitable electric motors may be used. Inembodiments including one or more braked motors, the brakes may have aninactive or released state when the motors 143, 153 are operational forejecting a ball, or be activated once a ball is ejected, or after theapparatus has completed a cycle of multiple ball ejections, to therebyapply a braking force to the motors and stop rotation of wheels 141, 151substantially immediately. The motor brakes may include, for example, a24 volt electromagnet that attaches to the rear of a respective motor.The first wheel 141 further includes outer circumferential surface,shown here as a tyre 142, that provides a tread pattern to assist inejecting a wet or damp ball from the unit 100.

The first wheel 141 is located so as to at least partially protrude intothe port 114. The first motor 143 is mounted to a front face of amounting plate 145 and the motor shaft 144 is support by a bearing plate146. The wheel 141 is located between the support plate 145 and bearingplate 146. The support plate 145 and bearing plate 146 are joined tomounting plates 147 that are fastened to the body 112 of the housing110. The mounting plates 147 may also be used to mount a batterysupport, shown here as battery support plates 172, to accommodate themounting of a battery 170 as shown.

The second wheel assembly 150 is located in a lower portion of thehousing 110. The second wheel assembly 150 includes a second wheel 151coupled to a second shaft 154 of a second motor 153 (ref. FIG. 6).Preferably, the second motor 153 is of the same type as the first motor143 so as to have similar performance characteristics. Similarly, thesecond wheel 151 is of the same configuration as the first wheelassembly 140 further includes a tyre 152 that provides a tread patternto assist in ejecting a wet or damp ball from the unit 100 and islocated to at least partially protrude into the port 114. The secondwheel assembly 150 is mounted in the same manner as previously describedin respect of the first wheel assembly 140. As shown most clearly inFIG. 6 however, the first and second wheel assemblies 140, 150 areconfigured to be oppositely disposed within the housing 110. Forexample, when the apparatus 10 is viewed from the front, the first wheelassembly 140 is configured such that the motor 143 is disposed to theright of the wheel 141 and the battery 170 is disposed to the left ofthe wheel 141. The second wheel assembly 150 is opposite to this. Anadvantage of this configuration is that the weight is evenly distributedabout the unit 100 such that the unit 100 is well balanced and thecentre of mass of the unit 100 is approximately in the centre of theunit 100. When arranged in this manner, the motors 143, 153 can also bewired with the same polarity such that they spin in the same direction(in local reference planes). In a global reference plane, the motors143, 153 (and therefore wheels 141, 151) spin in opposite directions. Asa ball passes between the spinning wheels 141, 151, the wheels 141, 151cooperate to apply a force to the ball to accelerate the ball from theunit 100. In an example, suitable DC motors that may be employed are24V, 100 W motors powered by two 12V batteries 170 wired to deliver therequired 24V.

As the motors 143, 153 are disposed horizontally, the respective shafts144, 154 of each motor 143, 153 are parallel to the horizontal axis ofrotation 5. Furthermore, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 extendsbetween the upper wheel 141 and the lower wheel 151. As most clearly inFIG. 3, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 may extend approximatelymidway between the upper wheel 141 and the lower wheel 151. An advantageof this placement of the horizontal axis of rotation 5 is that when aball is launched from the unit 100, force vectors due to kickback orrecoil will intersect the horizontal axis of rotation 5. In other words,there is no moment about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 that isinduced from a ball launch. The unit 100 may therefore have rotationalstability about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 during ball launch. Aspreviously mentioned, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 also intersectsthe port 114 and in the depicted embodiment extends centrally throughthe port 114. Due to the configuration of the wheel assemblies 140, 150in the housing 110, the centre of mass of the ball launching unit 100may be located approximately in the centre of the unit 100. Thehorizontal axis of rotation 5 may therefore, in some embodiments, extendthrough the centre of mass of the unit 100 or very close thereto.Locating the horizontal axis of rotation 5 through the centre of mass ofthe unit 100 is advantageous as the unit 100 tends to be rotationallystable or balanced about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 under its ownweight. The above mentioned advantages of the position of the horizontalaxis of rotation 5 relative to the upper and lower wheels 141, 151 andthe centre of mass of the unit 100 may provide for increased longevityof the apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus 10 further includes a solenoid 160. Inthe present case, the solenoid 160 is located in the upper portion ofthe body 112 of the housing 110. The solenoid 160 includes a shaft orplunger 162 which extends rearward from the body 112 toward the hopper30. The illustrated solenoid 160 is mounted to a bracket 164 which issecured inside the body 112 of the housing 110. When the top cover 120is seated on the body 112, the shaft 162 of the solenoid 160 is adaptedto project through an aperture in the top cover 120. The solenoid 160may include a pull-type solenoid that retracts upon activation. In anunenergised state, the shaft 162 of the solenoid 160 extends into thehopper 30 and precludes the one or more balls stored in the hopper frombeing released. On the other hand, when the solenoid 160 is energised,the shaft 162 momentarily retracts such that it no longer projects intothe hopper 30. In this state, a ball is released and drops down towardsthe inlet 116 of the port 114 to be ejected from the unit 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 further includes an electronicsmodule, shown here as printed circuit board (PCB) 180, which is mountedto a support plate 182. In the present case, the support plate 182 isadapted to be mounted inside the body 112 of the housing 110. The PCB180 includes control electronics such as a receiver, microcontroller andmotor drivers which control operation of the apparatus 10. The controlelectronics and operation of the apparatus 10 will be described infurther detail later.

The hopper or chute 30 will now be described in further detail. In theillustrated embodiment (refer FIG. 5), the hopper 30 is constructed froma pair of inner wires or tubes 37 and a pair of outer wires or tubes 38.The tubes 37, 38 have end portions 39 which are adapted to be receivedin receptacles formed in lugs 119 located in the port 114 of the housing110. In FIG. 5, one of the lower mounting lugs 119 is shown. The lugs119 therefore function to locate the respective end portions 39 of thetubes 37, 38. The hopper 30 is rigidly connected or fixed to the housing110 via an upper hopper mount 31 and a lower hopper mount 32 which arefastened to the rear of the body 112 of the housing 110. In this way,the hopper 30 is an integrated hopper, that is, the hopper 30 isintegrated with the ball launching unit 100. During rotation of the balllaunching unit 100 about the horizontal axis of rotation 5, theorientation of the hopper 30 relative to the ball launching unit 100remains fixed. The tubes 37, 38 are stiffened by a first ring element 35and a second ring element 36 that have sleeves 37 which slidably engageover portions of the tubes 37, 38.

The hopper 30 is preferably shaped in a manner which allows the weightof balls stored in the hopper 30 to be evenly distributed to portions ofthe inner and outer tubes 37, 38. In one embodiment, this is achieved byproviding a sloped upper portion 33 above the solenoid 160. The slopedupper portion 33 may form a ramp for holding balls in preparation forrelease. The portion of the hopper 30 below the solenoid 160 may providea lower guiding portion 34 for guiding a ball once released into theinlet 116 of the port 114. In an embodiment, the shaft or plunger 162 ofthe solenoid 160 extends into the hopper 30 between the sloped upperportion 33 and the lower guiding portion 34. As previously explained,the shaft 162 of the solenoid 160 may be retracted to release or drop aball from the sloped upper portion 33 to the lower guiding portion 34which guides the ball into the port 114. In an embodiment, the slopedupper portion 33 is disposed above the ball launching unit 100. Such anarrangement may assist in balancing the apparatus 10 with the hopper 30mounted to the ball launching unit 100.

FIG. 11 depicts an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 includinga hopper 41. The hopper 41 shown in FIG. 11 is similar to the hopper 30depicted in FIG. 5 with the exception that the sloped upper portion 33of hopper 41 slopes in a rearward direction. A hopper arrangement of thetype shown in FIG. 11 may provide for improved guidance of balls to theball launching unit 100, particularly when multiple balls are located inthe hopper 41, as is shown in FIG. 11.

It is also to be noted that the apparatus 10 depicted in FIG. 11includes a support assembly 20 including lockable wheels 42 attached toeach support member 22 to permit rotation and or movement of theapparatus 10 relative to a supporting surface. In the illustratedembodiment, the apparatus 10 is secured to a supporting surface via asupport 44 which permits rotational translation of the apparatus 10about a vertical axis of rotation 46 in co-operation with the wheels 42.In the present case, the support 44 includes a turntable 48 to whicheach support member 22 is removably attached via suitable means, such asfasteners. It will of course be appreciated that any suitable support 44may be used. Further, it is possible that the support 44 may bemotorised using a suitable motor system so as to permit control of therotational translation of the apparatus 10 in use. A motorised systemmay also allow for remote control of the rotational translation of theapparatus 10 about the vertical axis 46.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C which show the range of angular adjustmentof the ball launching unit 100 relative to the support assembly 20. FIG.7A shows the ball launching unit 100 set at a maximum degree of upwardtilt. In this position, the launch angle of an ejected ball is greatest.The adjustment element 29 is at a forward end of the guide slot 28. FIG.7B shows the ball launching unit 100 set at a midway position such thatthe adjustment element 29 is positioned approximately in the middle ofthe guide slot 28. FIG. 7C shows the ball launching unit 100 set at amaximum degree of downward tilt. In this position, the launch angle ofan ejected ball is a minimum. In this position, the adjustment element29 is at a rearward end of the guide slot 28. The adjustment range shownin FIGS. 7A-7C provides launch angles to the vertical ranging fromapproximately −40° to +40°.

Now referring to FIGS. 8A-8C which show the apparatus 10 in sectionthrough the wheels 141, 151, the operation of the solenoid 160 (ballrelease mechanism) is shown in further detail. In FIG. 8A, a pluralityof balls 2 are stored in the hopper 30 waiting to be released. The shaft162 of the solenoid 160 extends partly into the hopper 30 and blocks theballs 2 from falling into the lower guiding portion 34 of the hopper 30.Only a minimal amount of weight acts on the shaft 162 of the solenoid160, with the majority of the weight of the balls 2 supported by thesloped upper portion 33 of the hopper 30. In FIG. 8B, the solenoid 160has been energised which momentarily retracts the shaft 162 and allows asingle ball to be released from the sloped upper portion 33 to the lowerguiding portion 34. The released ball falls down and is guided by thelower guiding portion 34 to the inlet 116 of the port 114. FIG. 8C showthe solenoid 160 de-energised such that the shaft 162 blocks the furtherrelease of balls. Illustrated in dashed outline is the path of the firstreleased ball 2 as it moves through the port 114 and is ejected from theball launching unit 100.

A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic controlsystem that may be used to control the apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 9.In an embodiment, a microcontroller 200 is used to control the apparatus10. In an embodiment, a transmitter 202 is used to send remote usersignals to the apparatus 10. The transmitter 202 may include a useroperable device such as a wired or wireless remote control, a mobilephone, mobile computer, tablet, smart watch, infrared controller or thelike.

In embodiments, a user may activate a control of the user operabledevice, such as a push button or a graphically represented control on atouch activated device, in order to control a function of the apparatus10 such as ‘single fire’, ‘continuous ball release’, ‘wheel speed’,‘launch angle’, ‘training program’ etc. It will also be appreciated thatthe transmitter 202 may be activated by other types of user control,such as by voice activation or by gesture activation. Voice activationmay involve, for example, a user providing a verbal command such as“launch” to an audio signal processor (not shown) operatively associatedwith the transmitter 202. Gesture activation may involve videoprocessing a video signal (such as from a camera) operatively associatedwith the transmitter 202, or detecting a predetermined type of movementof the user operable device, such as a “swish” movement, a hand gesture,a head movement, or the like. In this respect, different types ofgestures may be associated with different types of user command.

Signals transmitted by the transmitter 202 are received by a receiver208 on the apparatus 10. The receiver 208 decodes a received signal andsends an appropriate instruction to the microcontroller 200 to executethe desired user command. In other embodiments, the receiver 208 may bea module of a transceiver device which can communicate back to thetransmitter 202. The transmitter 202 may communicate wirelessly to thereceiver 208 by radio frequency (RF), infra-red (IF), WiFi (IEEE802.11x), Bluetooth, Zigbee or any other standard protocol(s).

As shown in FIG. 9, one or more sensors 220 may be provided to serve asinputs to the microcontroller 200. Such sensors may include, forexample, a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is standingtoo close to the apparatus 10 and thus in danger of being hurt. Oneexample of a suitable proximity sensor is an ultrasonic sensor which maybe able to detect a solid mass within a certain area of the apparatus10. In such circumstances, if a person is detected within a certaindistance, the microcontroller 200 may for example abort a user commandfor safety. Other sensors may also be employed, for example to detectwhen the hopper 30 is empty. In further embodiments, it is envisagedthat at least one function of the ball launching unit 100 that may becontrolled remotely is angular adjustment of the ball launching unit 100about the horizontal axis of rotation 5. In these embodiments, a motormay be used to rotate the unit 100 about the horizontal axis of rotation5 to vary the launch angle. Such a system may additionally require arotary encoder or other type of angular position sensor to detect whenthe angle of the ball launching unit 100 reaches a desired value.

A user control interface 212 may be provided on the apparatus 10 toenable the user to send certain commands to the microcontroller 200. Forexample, an ON/OFF button or switch 40 may be provided to power on theapparatus 10 and a motor speed dial or control knob 50 may be providedto adjust the desired set point speed of the motors 143, 153. Aresettable fuse 60 may also be provided to protect the circuit. An eventwhich may for example trigger the fuse 60, is when an over inflated balljams between the wheels and overloads the motors.

A timer 220 may communicate with the microcontroller 200 and be used toset predetermined time intervals for certain events such as activatingmotors 143, 153, solenoid 160 etc.

The microcontroller 200 sends command signals to a control interface 218which controls the various output devices of the apparatus 10 includingthe first motor 143, the second motor 153, the solenoid 160 and otherindicator 70 (which may include warning lights and other features. Ofcourse, in embodiments of the apparatus 10 where the ball launching unitis rotated automatically (for example, by varying the launch angle orrotation about a vertical axis to change the direction of the unit),other output devices such as additional motors (not shown) may be used.The control interface 218 may include motor drivers, solenoid controlcircuits, lighting control circuits. Suitable motor drivers may includea potentiometer for speed variation.

The microcontroller 200, receiver 208, timer 220 and control interface218 are powered by a power supply 210. In the depicted embodiment, theapparatus 10 is battery powered however in other embodiments theapparatus 10 may be plugged into a socket and powered by mainselectricity. The apparatus 10 may also have a recharging port thataccepts a recharging system that is plugged directly into a powersocket.

A flow diagram of an embodiment of a control process for controlling theapparatus 10 is provided in FIG. 10. First, at step 300, a user turns onpower to the apparatus 10. This may be done by pressing an ON/OFF buttonor switch 40 located on the housing 110. In other embodiments, theapparatus 10 may be powered on and off remotely. At step 302, a usersets the motor speed which is the desired speed set-point for the motorsto run at when activated. The apparatus 10 may have a dial or similarspeed control knob or button 50 located on the housing 110.Alternatively, the motor speed may be set remotely using a remote userdevice.

In an embodiment, the motor speed may be varied from about 800 RPM toabout 3000 RPM. At step 304, with the actual speed controlling thelaunch speed of a ball. The microcontroller 200 receives a user commandof ‘single fire’ or ‘continuous release’. This dual functionality mayenable the apparatus 10 to launch a single ball or to continuouslyrelease balls from the hopper 30 at a predetermined time interval. Forexample, balls may be ejected every 5-8 seconds. The user command may betransmitted from a user device, such as the transmitter 202, andreceived by the receiver 208 located on the apparatus 10.

At step 306, in response to a user command, the microcontroller 200sends a signal to the upper and lower motors 143, 153 to activate. Themotors 143, 153 will begin to run and wind up to the speed set point. Itmay take several seconds for the motors 143, 153 to reach the desiredspeed. After a predetermined time interval, at step 308, themicrocontroller 200 sends a signal to activate the solenoid 160 toretract the shaft or plunger 162 momentarily to release a ball. Thereleased ball then drops into the port 114 where it is ejected from theunit 100 by the spinning wheels 141, 151. At step 312, if the usercommand was for a ‘single launch’ then after a predetermined timeinterval, power is cut to the motors 143, 153 and the motors 143, 153are brought to rest. The apparatus 10 will then remain in stand-by modewaiting for further user commands. If the original user command was for‘continuous release’ then after the first ball launch, themicrocontroller 200 again sends a signal to activate the solenoid 160 torelease a further ball to be ejected. The microcontroller 200 willcontinue launching balls until the hopper 30 is empty and requiring areload. When the hopper 30 is empty, at this point, power is cut to themotors so that they can be brought to rest.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” andvariations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood toimply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but notthe exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that suchprior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention isnot restricted in its use to the particular application described.Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodimentwith regard to the particular elements and/or features described ordepicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is notlimited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable ofnumerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined bythe following claims.

1. An apparatus for launching a ball, including: a ball launching unitincluding a port for ejecting a ball; and a support for supporting theball launching unit, wherein, the ball launching unit is pivotablycoupled to the support to permit angular adjustment of the balllaunching unit about a horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launchangle of an ejected ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotationintersects the port.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the balllaunching unit includes an upper wheel and a lower wheel that cooperateto eject the ball.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the upper andlower wheels at least partially protrude into the port.
 4. The apparatusof claim 2 wherein the horizontal axis of rotation extends between theupper wheel and the lower wheel.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thehorizontal axis of rotation extends centrally through the port.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the support includes a pair of supportmembers and the ball launching unit is supported between the supportmembers.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein each support membercomprises one or more legs for contacting the ground.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1 further including a hopper for storing one or more balls forfeeding to the ball launching unit and wherein during rotation of theball launching unit about the horizontal axis of rotation, theorientation of the hopper relative to the ball launching unit remainsfixed.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the hopper is fixed to theball launching unit.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the balllaunching unit includes a solenoid controllable to allow a ball to befed from the hopper into the port.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 whereinthe solenoid includes a shaft that extends into the hopper.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein the hopper includes a sloped upper portionand a lower guiding portion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein theshaft of the solenoid extends into the hopper between the sloped upperportion and the lower guiding portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13wherein the shaft of the solenoid is retractable to release of a ballfrom the sloped upper portion to the lower guiding portion which guidesthe ball into the port.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein at leastpart of the sloped upper portion is disposed above the ball launchingunit.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ball launching unitincludes control electronics for enabling remote control of at least onefunction of the ball launching unit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16wherein the at least one function of the ball launching unit includesangular adjustment of the ball launching unit about the horizontal axisof rotation.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least onefunction of the ball launching unit includes actuation of the solenoid.19. The apparatus of claim 1 further including one or more batteries topower the ball launching unit.
 20. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein thewheels have a tread pattern to assist in ejecting a wet or damp ball.21. An apparatus for launching a ball, including: a ball launching unitincluding: a housing having a port for receiving a ball and ejecting thereceived ball; a pair of support members for supporting the balllaunching unit above the ground, the support members spaced apart aboutopposing sides of the housing; wherein, the housing is pivotably coupledto the support members to permit angular adjustment of the balllaunching unit about a horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launchangle of an ejected ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotationextends through the port.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 furtherincluding an integrated hopper for feeding one or more balls to the balllaunching unit.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the ball launchingunit further includes a first wheel located in an upper portion of thehousing and a second wheel located in a lower portion of the housing andwherein rotation of the first and second wheels applies a force to theball as it passes through the port to eject the ball from the housing.24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the first wheel is coupled to afirst shaft of a first motor and the second wheel is coupled to a secondshaft of a second motor and wherein the first and second shafts areparallel to the horizontal axis of rotation.
 25. The apparatus of claim24 wherein the horizontal axis of rotation is disposed midway betweenthe first wheel and the second wheel.